Newcastle released their latest rendition of ‘Toon in training’ last night. After missing the Man City defeat through the concussion protocol, Fabian Schar has returned to training and is expected to be in contention for Sunday’s bout against Wolves.
The Swiss international has been ever-present in Eddie Howe’s backline since his arrival almost 18 months ago. The subsequent signings of Dan Burn and Sven Botman has seen captain Jamaal Lascelles take a backseat for much of Howe’s tenure.
Lascelles returned to the starting lineup in the place of Schar last weekend. The long-standing skipper reminded many of his qualities as he put in a solid display alongside Botman at the Etihad.
The Chronicle has interviewed Jamaal this week with his limited playing time a topic of conversation. This is what Lascelles said about not getting into the team over the past year:
“No footballer wants to sit on the bench. But at the same time, I accept when a team is playing well and has got a brilliant defensive record that is how football works.
“It will never change my mood or my professionalism. It will just make me work harder and I will always support the team.
“Fabby had a little knock and didn’t play, I thought there were positives to take for me as an individual and us a team and a squad.”
Howe may have a selection decision for Sunday. Lascelles’s performance could warrant a second start. His dominance in the air was a noticeable addition against the formidable Citizens. He helped keep the prolific Erling Halaand quiet all afternoon.
If Howe does go with the captain once again, it will be earned through his performance on Sunday and in training. Lascelles added the following about whether he thinks his performance was enough to earn another chance:
“Yeah. But I have always been a player that has never wanted to use my captaincy or my voice to force my way into the team.
“I want to earn it. I want to be the best in training and be amazing when I play, and I want the manager to be able to say: ‘He has to start.’
“I’m not the type to go round knocking on doors and stuff. “The manager is a smart manager, and whatever team he picks we know it is a squad game.We all fully back it. It is a collective thing.
“I don’t think about myself. I have been so many years, and of course, I want to play every single game. But we are a squad. That has been the biggest driving force for our success.”
55 comments so far
CLINT FLICK
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:23 PM
Comment #41Reet!
Let’s get into the vibe…
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Eo_FTa9ew&t=888s
Munster Mag
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:34 PM
Comment #42Jail not only did i not mention it daily , it must also irritate you that
A. It was correct to say at the time
B. Going against the grain is irrelevant – accuracy is what counts
C. We are seeing a degree of the same thing happening now, so what those Bournemouth fans ( and others who work with a friend ) said, was reasonable, and Rotonda has produced info that mirrors this
Its not my problem that you cant go against popular thinking, ever. The comments made were relevant , at that time.
Those fans loved Eddie too , as we all do, but you wouldnt have had the balls to highlight those comments, even if you had watched the video.
The same way as you couldnt highlight some of Rafas weak points. What a sheep you are.
DrGloom
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:40 PM
Comment #43Munster – to be fair, you did big up Bruce for a long time.. I guess you went against the grain then too despite every man and his dog being able to see he was a dinosaur and absolutely useless despite having the highest spend of any Ashley manager
Ap
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:43 PM
Comment #44Omneeddun good theory the first 2 the dinosaurs likely to eat is toons fans bad and jail for ashley
Ap
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:43 PM
Comment #45Theres a new movie with adam driver called 65 about dinosaurs looks good
Swanny
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:45 PM
Comment #46I was at the Forest FA Cup game in 74, Bobby Moncur was magnificent he really played the Captains part, he relentlessly drove us forward after the pitch invasion.
The pitch invasion played a big part in the Newcastle comeback, after the two teams came back out, both teams were totally different.
The F.A. made us play the tie again and Goodison Park was chosen, if anyone wants to know why some of the older lot hate Everton, a lot of bad blood stemmed from then, Everton sided with Forest off the pitch.
Someone mentioned earlier that not many away fans were keen on attending St James in the 70s, that was very true, although there was the exceptions, mainly cup games.
As for the domestics in the Leazes, funny enough a night game against Wolves resulted in over 100 arrests when West and East turned the Leazes End in to a battle ground.
I was also there for the last game of the Leazes……that got a touch lively anarl, but that’s another story
Respect
Harley
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:49 PM
Comment #47I thought Lascelles was really good last weekend. For the first time in ages I felt we had a bit of aggression in both boxes. He’s a great competitor and a model pro. I’ve always rated him as a defender, just not good enough on the ball for a ball playing team.
If he’s prepared to stay we’d be mad to sell him. I think there’d be no shortage of takers due to his attitude.
DrGloom
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:52 PM
Comment #48Lascelles can also score from a header in opposition box 🙂
Don’t see any reason to sell Lascelles if he’s happy to stay as a squad player
Ap
Mar 9, 2023 at 2:56 PM
Comment #49Now we’re linked with diogo jota. Why cant reporters understand top 6 wont deal with us
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 9, 2023 at 3:01 PM
Comment #50What does a Puglet have to do? Up in Toon end of March. No games! AGAIN!!!
Ap
Mar 9, 2023 at 3:02 PM
Comment #51Lascelles deserves to keep his place for next game. I predict 1-1 lascelles to score if he plays
Ap
Mar 9, 2023 at 3:10 PM
Comment #52Who would people prefer in top 4 liverpoo or spurs? I rather liverpoo overtake spurs so spurs get in more financial trouble
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 9, 2023 at 3:13 PM
Comment #53I always found the Leazes End quite friendly in the 70’s. No away fans in there then
Ap
Mar 9, 2023 at 3:14 PM
Comment #54What if we miss out on top 4 by 1 or 2 points and that would be because of var against Palace then what?
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Apr 9, 2023 at 6:18 PM
Comment #55Not claiming a record here…. BUT I have met 13 persons on this blog.